Impact
From sustainable water quality technologies to the promotion of human and environmental health, our cutting-edge chemical research has contributed to the development of new technologies including:
- novel water treatment and desalination technologies, mining wastewater treatment processes and water sterilisation processes. Several of our water purification projects are approaching the large pilot-scale level. A recently commissioned report by Arcadis stated that our novel desalination process could be up to 30% more efficient than reverse osmosis.
- the synthesis and study of novel functionalised supramolecular structures such as cucurbit[n]urils that can be used for biological, environmental, pharmaceutical (including drug delivery technologies) and industrial applications.
- the synthesis and study of redox-active and luminescent transition metal complexes for applications in biological systems, sensor systems and light-activated molecular devices.
- coating materials designed to prevent ember attack during bushfires expected to have worldwide application.
- propeller cavitation technology that is expected to revolutionise shipping transport.
Competitive Advantage
New state-of-the-art laboratories with excellent analytical research infrastructure including NMR, mass spectrometry, GC-MS and fluorometers.
- Close working relationships and funding from industry partners to develop various novel water treatment processes based on several of our patented ideas.
- Strong and on-going collaborations with academic colleagues in Australia and around the world including the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, Lund University (Sweden) and Cambridge University (England).
- Considerable external funding from government sources (e.g. Australian Research Council) and industry including $400,000 from Australian Pork Ltd and $600,000 from Breakthrough Technologies.
- Strong publication record in international journals.
Successful Applications
- Successful adoption of some of our research by industry through international patents and the setting up of “spin-off” companies. This includes several of our recent water purification technologies currently under consideration for large-scale pilot studies with a view to large scale industrial development and adoption.